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The name sounds modest enough – after all, how many bamboo-and-thatch seaside restaurants are there in Thailand? It’s only when you wind your way through the sumptuous grounds of the resort towards the beach that you suspect that this evening is going to be a special one.

Bamboo Beach Bar and Seafood Grill (BB&SG) is located right on the beach and the ‘tharump’ of the incoming waves hitting the strand is never far away, providing a natural and constant audio backdrop to this charming eatery.

Décor

Think luxurious seafront with no aesthetic detail spared and you’ll have a rough idea of what BB&SG is about.

Low lighting, clever use of textures, textiles and wood, a constant sea breeze and lots of nice touches such as the table at which we sat: I was under the impression that I would have to squat uncomfortably on the floor for the evening but no, there was a lower-level place to stretch my legs under the table.

Apparently, this is an al fresco massage table during the day!

Atmosphere

Surprisingly laid back for such a lovely place, but then who on earth needs to embellish with protocol in such an attractive spot? Chef, Khun Woody, speaks great English and is well traveled so if you are looking for that special touch to your evening, be sure to ask for him and he’ll get you on track, as he did with us the evening we dined there.

No need for fans to provide ventilation and no pretentiousness; get in there and enjoy some sumptuous wines and seafood.

When a Filipino trio turn up towards the end of the evening to deliver three-part harmonies they’re more than welcome.

Wine

With some 59 labels, BB&SG delivers in style and prices range from 1,200 baht to 15,000 baht, each label lovingly chosen.

After some excellent white wine over starters we immensely enjoyed the Spanish Marques de Ducal ‘1860’. The wine was a lesson in a full-bodied red, holding its alcoholic punch with the greatest elegance.

Food

Again, no disappointments, with a beautiful tuna salad kicking things off, reminiscent of a salade nicoise along with Meridien-baked bread.

Medallions of rock lobsters are next with a mushroom and green asparagus base along with a parmesan twill in prawn butter sauce.

A medley of soups is next, in the shape of tom yam goong and clam chowder and a surf ‘n turf plate featuring Australian tenderloin renders us pretty much full. However, we try an excellent plate of sticky rice and mango to round things off. Excellent stuff.

If you’re looking for fine dining right by the sea there is no better place in Khao Lak. It’s as simple as that.

Service

Discreet, polite, effective and anticipatory, Le Meridien staff members effortlessly show how well they have been trained in handling diners’ needs.

Bamboo Bar & Seafood Grill

See above. When you arrive at Le Meridien Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort, situated a few kilometers north of ‘downtown’ Khao Lak, simply park and walk due west and you’ll hit the beach. It’s not hard to find BB&SG.